Theologian: Third Vatican Council no solution to crisis of Faith

The crucial thing is to re-examine the principles of the Second Vatican Council, according to Munich pastoral theologian Wollbold.

For Munich pastoral theologian Andreas Wollbold, a Third Vatican Council is not the right way to overcome the crisis of faith. Today, there are more than 5,000 bishops worldwide, as well as numerous laypeople, experts, and advisors. "What is this supposed to be? A show trial?" said the professor of pastoral theology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in an interview with the Catholic weekly newspaper "Die Tagespost." The recent synods in Rome have already shown that listening together to the word of the Spirit can be "borderline."

He can hardly imagine such an undertaking at a council today. Often, those who are well-organized and hold the reins of power are the ones who make the decisions. "This often has little to do with the true spirit of a council, which is oriented toward consensus and shared witness," said Wollbold. Moreover, the challenges of the present are different from those at the time of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) some 60 years ago. Many of the Council Fathers were born in the 19th century and could hardly have imagined today's world. Therefore, what is needed today is above all to draw upon the fundamental principles of the Second Vatican Council.

(Cathcon: they go us in this mess!)

Fewer Documents and Decrees

The crisis of faith in the West cannot simply be blamed on the Council, the theologian emphasized. Rather, global trends such as changing values, the loss of authority, and the sexual revolution have shaped society and also affected the Church. Wollbold also expressed criticism regarding the implementation of certain reforms after the Council, for example, in the liturgy. In many places, these were implemented too abruptly and "top-down." Instead, more time and more careful steps would have been needed.

With regard to current debates on synodality, Wollbold urged conceptual clarity. Consultation can take place jointly within the Church, but ultimately, decisions are made by the bishops together with the Pope. Lay people have an important role, especially through their "worldly competence," by bringing experiences from society and everyday life into Church consultation processes. What is crucial for the future of the Church is not so much new documents or conciliar decrees, but rather the credible witness of the faithful themselves.

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